63 African Symbols for Creative Design _ SiliconAfrica

STARTUPS (HTTP://WWW.SILICONAFRICA.COM/DIRECTORY/CATEGORY/STARTUPS/)

EVENTS (HTTP://WWW.SILICONAFRICA.COM/DIRECTORY/CATEGORY/EVENTS/)

JOBS (HTTP://WWW.SILICONAFRICA.COM/DIRECTORY/CATEGORY/JOBS/)

PEOPLE (HTTP://WWW.SILICONAFRICA.COM/DIRECTORY/CATEGORY/PEOPLE/)

DONATE (HTTP://WWW.SILICONAFRICA.COM/SUPPORT-SILICON-AFRICA-MAKE-DONATION/)

Type some keyw ords and press enter

63 African Symbols ForCreative DesignBy: Mawuna Remarque KOUTONIN(http://www.siliconafrica.com/author/admin/)

Tuesday, June 4th, 2013 at 9:27 pm.

(http://www.siliconafrica.com/wp-

content/themes/directorypress/thumbs//kwat_lg1.gif)African symbols from Egypt are well

known, but now is time to discover more African symbols specially from West Africa, called

Adinkra (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adinkra_symbols).

Adinkra are visual symbols, originally created by the Ashanti of Ghana and the Gyaman of Cote

dIvoire in West Africa. They represent concepts or aphorisms, and are extensively used in

fabrics, pottery, logos and advertising.

The symbols have a decorative function but also represent objects that encapsulate evocative

messages that convey traditional wisdom, aspects of life or the environment.

The Collection below is from the work of Jean MacDonald

(http://www.adinkra.org/htmls/adinkra_site.htm), and is destined to African artists and

designers for inspiration in logo, websites, clothes, jewelery and fashion design, not forget for

tattoos (http://www.adinkra.org/htmls/tattoos.htm).

You can try to win the complete pack of the 63 images in high resolution here

(http://www.siliconafrica.com/high-resolution-pack-of-the-63-african-symbols-to-win-for-

free/).

1. SANKOFA


content/themes/directory press/thumbs//sank_lg.gif)

return and get it

symbol of importance of learning from the past


content/themes/directorypress/thumbs//sank2_lg.gif)

2. WO NSA DA MU A

If your hands arein the dish

symbol of participatory government,

democracy and pluralism

REKLAMA

Email *

Subscribe!

NEW ARTICLES BYEMAIL

SHOW YOUR LOVE

Find us on Facebook

SiliconAfrica

3,714 people like SiliconAfrica.

Facebook social plugin

Like

(http://www.siliconafrica.com/the-s-war-how-social-is-slowly-killing-search/)

The"S"War:How"Social"isKilling"Search"(http://www.siliconafrica.com/the-s-war-how-social-is-slowly-killing-search/)

You'llBeSilent

LATEST NEWS


content/themes/directory press/thumbs//wonsa_lg.gif)

From the aphorism, Wo nsa da mu

a, wonni nnya wo If your hands

are in the dish, people do not eat

everything and leave you nothing.

Source: Cloth As Metaphor

(http://www.marshall.edu/akanart/)

by G.F. Kojo Arthur

3. SESA WO SUBAN


content/themes/directory press/thumbs//sesa_lg.gif)

Change ortransform yourcharacter

symbol of life transformation

This symbol combines two separate

adinkra symbols, the Morning

Star which can mean a new start to

the day, placed inside the wheel,

representing rotation or

independent movement.

4. WAWA ABA


content/themes/directory press/thumbs//wawa_lg.gif)

seed of the wawatree

symbol of hardiness, toughness

and perseverance

The seed of the wawa tree is

extremely

hard. In Akan culture, it is a

symbol of someone who is strong

and tough. Itinspires the

individual to persevere through

hardship.

5. TAMFO BEBRE


content/themes/directory press/thumbs//tamf_lg.gif)

the enemy willstew in his ownjuice

symbol of jealousy and envy

6. WOFORO DUA PA A

(http://www.siliconafrica.com/you-will-be-silent/)

(http://www.siliconafrica.com/you-will-be-silent/)

(http://www.siliconafrica.com/brazil-how-propaganda-and-violence-distort-democracy/)

Brazil:HowPropagandaandViolenceDistortDemocracy(http://www.siliconafrica.com/brazil-how-propaganda-and-violence-distort-democracy/)

(http://www.siliconafrica.com/occupy-europe/)

OccupyEurope(http://www.siliconafrica.com/occupy-europe/)

(http://www.siliconafrica.com/the-dark-truth-about-why-south-africa-destroyed-its-nuclear-weapons-in-1990/)

TheDarkTruthAboutWhySouthAfricaDestroyedItsNuclearWeaponsin1990(http://www.siliconafrica.com/the-dark-truth-about-why-south-africa-destroyed-its-nuclear-weapons-in-1990/)

(http://www.siliconafrica.com/where-are-the-african-men/)

WhereAretheAfricanMen?(http://www.siliconafrica.com/where-are-the-african-men/)

90%

of


content/themes/directory press/thumbs//wofo_lg.gif)

when you climb agood tree

symbol of support, cooperation and

encouragement

From the expression Woforo dua pa

a, na yepia wo meaning When you

climb a good tree, you are given a

push. More metaphorically, it

means that when you work for a

good cause, you will get support.



by G.F. Kojo Arthur

7. PEMPAMSIE


content/themes/directory press/thumbs//pemp_lg.gif)

sew in readiness

symbol of readiness, steadfastness, hardiness

According to the The Adinkra Dictionary

(http://www.adinkra.org/htmls/books.htm),

the design

of this symbol resembles the links of a chain,

and implies strength through unity as well as

the importance of being prepared.

8. OWUO ATWEDEE


content/themes/directory press/thumbs//owuo-

atwedee_lg.gif)

the ladder of death

symbol of mortality a reminder of the

transitory

nature of existence in this world and of

the imperative to live a good life to

be a worthy soul in the afterlife

9. OWO FORO ADOBE


content/themes/directory press/thumbs//owof_lg.gif)

snake climbing theraffia tree

symbol of steadfastness, prudence

and

diligence

(http://www.siliconafrica.com/90-of-top-chinese-government-officials-are-scientists-engineers/)

ofTopChineseGovernmentOfficialsareScientists&Engineers(http://www.siliconafrica.com/90-of-top-chinese-government-officials-are-scientists-engineers/)

(http://www.siliconafrica.com/go-where-twitter-and-facebook-couldnt-go/)

GoWhereTwitterandFacebookCouldn'tGo(http://www.siliconafrica.com/go-where-twitter-and-facebook-couldnt-go/)

(http://www.siliconafrica.com/we-need-you-to-lead-us/)

WeNeedYoutoLeadUs(http://www.siliconafrica.com/we-need-you-to-lead-us/)

(http://www.siliconafrica.com/a-movie-project-on-africa-best-mind-in-technology-and-innovation/)

AMovieProjectonAfricaBestMindsinTech&Innovation-NeedsyoursupportonKickstarter(http://www.siliconafrica.com/a-

Because of its thorns, the raffia tree

is a very dangerous challenge to the

snake. His ability to climb it is a

model of persistence and prudence.

10. OSRAM NE NSOROMMA


content/themes/directory press/thumbs//osra_lg.gif)

The Moon and the Star

symbol of love, faithfulness, harmony

This symbol reflects the harmony that exists in the bonding

between a man and a woman. Proverb: Kyekye pe aware. (The

North Star has a deep love for marriage. She is always in the sky

waiting for the return of the moon, her husband.) from The

Adinkra Dictionary

(http://www.adinkra.org/htmls/books.htm#adinkra_dictionary))

11. ONYANKOPON ADOM NTI BIRIBIARA BEYEYIE


content/themes/directory press/thumbs//ony an_lg.gif)

By Gods grace, allwill be well

symbol of hope, providence, faith



by G.F. Kojo Arthur

12. OKODEE MMOWERE


content/themes/directory press/thumbs//okodee_lg.gif)

the talons of theeagle

symbol of strength, bravery,

power

The eagle is the mightiest bird in

the sky, and its strength is

concentrated in its talons. The

Oyoko clan, one of the nine Akan

clans, uses this symbol as their

clan emblem.

13. ODO NNYEW FIE KWAN

movie-project-on-africa-best-mind-in-technology-and-innovation/)

Africa(http://www.siliconafrica.com/tag/africa/)africa colonialism(http://www.siliconafrica.com/tag/africa-colonialism/) Africa development(http://www.siliconafrica.com/tag/africa-development/) africadiaspora(http://www.siliconafrica.com/tag/africa-diaspora/) africa history(http://www.siliconafrica.com/tag/africa-

history/) Africa immigration(http://www.siliconafrica.com/tag/africa-immigration/) African history(http://www.siliconafrica.com/tag/african-history/) African It companies(http://w w w .siliconafrica.com/tag/african-it-companies/)

African mobile startups

(http://w w w .siliconafrica.com/tag/african-mobile-

startups/) African startups(http://www.siliconafrica.com/tag/african-startups/) african students abroad(http://w w w .siliconafrica.com/tag/african-students-

abroad/) Africa problems(http://www.siliconafrica.com/tag/africa-problems/) AfricaRenaissance(http://www.siliconafrica.com/tag/africa-renaissance/) Africatech people(http://www.siliconafrica.com/tag/africa-tech-people/) best african startups(http://w w w .siliconafrica.com/tag/best-african-startups/)

Best startups in Africa(http://www.siliconafrica.com/tag/best-startups-in-africa/) Businessangels in Africa

(http://w w w .siliconafrica.com/tag/business-angels-in-

africa/) Business incubators in Africa(http://w w w .siliconafrica.com/tag/business-incubators-in-

africa/) Digital Colonization(http://www.siliconafrica.com/tag/digital-

colonization/) Doing Businessin Africa(http://www.siliconafrica.com/tag/doing-business-in-africa/)ecommerce in Africa(http://www.siliconafrica.com/tag/ecommerce-in-africa/) European violence(http://www.siliconafrica.com/tag/european-violence/) FabLabs(http://www.siliconafrica.com/tag/fablabs/)Ghana(http://www.siliconafrica.com/tag/ghana/)innovation aw ard africa

(http://w w w .siliconafrica.com/tag/innovation-aw ard-

africa/) Internet in Africa(http://www.siliconafrica.com/tag/internet-in-africa/) Internet usage in Africa(http://www.siliconafrica.com/tag/internet-usage-in-africa/) Kenya(http://w w w .siliconafrica.com/tag/kenya/) leadership(http://www.siliconafrica.com/tag/leadership/)leadership lessons

TAGS


content/themes/directory press/thumbs//odon_lg.gif)

Love never loses itsway home

symbol of the power of love

14. NYANSAPO


content/themes/directory press/thumbs//ny an_lg.gif)

wisdom knot

symbol of wisdom, ingenuity, intelligence and patience

A especially revered symbol of the Akan, this symbol conveys the

idea that a wise person has the capacity to choose the best means

to attain a goal. Being wise implies broad knowledge, learning and

experience, and the ability to apply such faculties to practical

ends. (Willis, The Adinkra Dictionary

(http://www.adinkra.org/htmls/books.htm#adinkra_dictionary))

15. NYAME YE OHENE


content/themes/directory press/thumbs//ny ameohene_lg.gif)

God is King

symbol of majesty and supremacy of

God



by G.F. Kojo Arthur

16. NYAME NTI


content/themes/directory press/thumbs//ny ame-

nti_lg.gif)

by Gods grace

symbol of faith and trust in God

According to The Adinkra Dictionary

by W. Bruce Willis: This stalk is

depicted as the staff of life in many

cultures. It symbolizes to the Akan that

food is a basis of life and that they

could not survive if not for the food

that God has placed here on Earth for

their nourishment.

(http://www.siliconafrica.com/tag/leadership-lessons/) MakerSpace(http://www.siliconafrica.com/tag/makerspace/)Mandela treason(http://www.siliconafrica.com/tag/mandela-treason/) propaganda in Africa(http://www.siliconafrica.com/tag/propaganda-

in-africa/) return to Africa(http://www.siliconafrica.com/tag/return-to-africa/) Silicon Africa(http://www.siliconafrica.com/tag/silicon-africa/) South Africa(http://www.siliconafrica.com/tag/south-africa/) Startup accelerator(http://www.siliconafrica.com/tag/startup-accelerator/) startups failures(http://w w w .siliconafrica.com/tag/startups-failures/)

Startups in africa(http://www.siliconafrica.com/tag/startups-in-africa/) Startups To Follow In Africa(http://w w w .siliconafrica.com/tag/startups-to-follow -in-

africa/) Tech Africa(http://w w w .siliconafrica.com/tag/tech-africa/) Techinvestment in Africa

(http://w w w .siliconafrica.com/tag/tech-investment-in-

africa/) Technology inAfrica(http://www.siliconafrica.com/tag/technology-in-africa/) Tech people africa(http://w w w .siliconafrica.com/tag/tech-people-africa/)

Web application in Africa

(http://w w w .siliconafrica.com/tag/w eb-application-in-

africa/)

YOU CAN WIN

GOOGLE ADSENSE

Enter 2 Win

Powered By: Goodbuzz.net

Win High ResolutionPack of 63 AfricanAdinkra Symbols ForFree

100 sharers will be selectedrandomly.

Ends in: Promotion ended

Rules

Answer this Question!

Which article is the most Popularon SiliconAfrica? (Hint: The most

liked on Facebook)

Select your answer

Submit answer

ENTER TO WIN

17. NYAME NNWU NA MAWU


content/themes/directory press/thumbs//ny awu_lg.gif)

God never dies,therefore I cannotdie

symbol of Gods omnipresence

and the perpetual existence of

mans spirit

This signifies the immortality of

mans soul, believed to be a part

of God. Because the soul rests

with God after death, it cannot

die.

18. NYAME BIRIBI WO SORO


content/themes/directory press/thumbs//ny abi_lg.gif)

God is in theheavens

symbol of hope A reminder that

Gods dwelling

place is in the heaven, where he

can listen to all prayers.

19. NSOROMMA


content/themes/directory press/thumbs//nsor_lg.gif)

child of the heavens[stars]

symbol of guardianship A reminder

that

God is the father and watches over

all people.

20. NSAA


content/themes/directory press/thumbs//nsaa_lg.gif)

a type of hand-wovenfabric

symbol of excellence, genuineness,

authenticity According to The

Adinkra Dictionary by W. Bruce

Willis, the nsaa

symbols reflects a saying: nea

onnim nsaa oto nago, which he

translates as

He who does not know authentic

Nsaa will buy the fakes. The

quality of Nsaa

has come to represent quality of

workmanship in general.

21. NKYINKYIM


content/themes/directory press/thumbs//nky i_lg.gif)

twisting

symbol of initiative, dynamism and

versatility

22. NKYIMU


content/themes/directory press/thumbs//nky imu_lg.gif)

the crosseddivisions made onadinkra clothbefore stamping

symbol of

skillfulness, precision Before

adinkra cloth is stamped with

the symbols, the

artisan blocks off the cloth with

lines in a rectangular grid using

a

broad-tooth comb. This

preparation is symbolic of the

exacting technique which

results in the highest quality

product.

23. NYAME DUA


content/themes/directory press/thumbs//ny amedua_lg.gif)

tree of god altar

symbol of Gods presence

and protection The

Nyame Dua is a sacred spot

where rituals are performed.

Erected in front of the

house or compound, it is

crafted from a tree that has

been cut where three or

more branches come

together. This stake holds an

earthenware vessell filled

with water and herbs or other

symbolic materials for

purification and blessing

rituals.

24. NKONSONKONSON

chain link

symbol of unity and human

relations A reminder to

contribute to the community, that

in unity lies strength


content/themes/directory press/thumbs//nkon_lg.gif)

25. NEA OPE SE OBEDI HENE


content/themes/directory press/thumbs//neaope_lg.gif)

he who wants to beking

symbol of service and leadership

From the

expression Nea ope se obedi hene

daakye no, firi ase sue som ansa

meaning He

who wants to be king in the future

must first learn to serve. Source:

Cloth As Metaphor


by

G.F. Kojo Arthur

26. NEA ONNIM NO SUA A, OHU


content/themes/directory press/thumbs//neao_lg.gif)

He who does not know can know

from learning

symbol of knowledge, life-long

education and continued quest for

knowledge

Source: Cloth As

Metaphor


by G.F. Kojo Arthur

27. MPUANNUM


content/themes/directory press/thumbs//mpua_lg.gif)

five tufts (of hair)

symbol of priestly office, loyalty

and

adroitness This symbol is said to

be the hairstyle of joy. It is the

traditional hairstyle of the

priestesses. The design of the

adinkra symbol

mpuannum resembles the way the

priestesses hair was tied. It also

represents the devotion and

faithfulness one displays when

doing a task

required of one. In addition,

mpuannum means loyalty or the

embodiment of lofty

duty to a desired goal. W.

Bruce Willis, The Adinkra

Dictionary

28. MPATAPO


content/themes/directory press/thumbs//mpat_lg.gif)

knot ofpacification/reconciliation

symbol of reconciliation,

peacemaking and pacification Mpatapo

represents the bond or knot that binds

parties in a dispute to a peaceful,

harmonious reconciliation. It is a symbol

of peacemaking after strife.

29. MMUSUYIDEE


content/themes/directory press/thumbs//mmus_lg.gif)

that which removesbad luck

symbol of good furtune and

sanctity

30. MMERE DANE


content/themes/directory press/thumbs//mmeredane_lg.gif)

time changes symbol of change,

lifes dynamics Source:

Cloth As

Metaphor


by G.F. Kojo Arthur

31. MFRAMADAN


content/themes/directory press/thumbs//mfra_lg.gif)

wind-resistanthouse

symbol of fortitude and readiness

to face lifes

vicissitudes

This symbol suggests a reinforced

or well-built home one built

to withstand windy and

treacherous conditions. It reflects

in Asante history a

clause in the unwritten

constitutution of the Golden Stool.

Oral acocunts say

that according to that clause, mud

houses in Kumasi must be

reinforced with

turf. This reinforcing would cause

the house to be sturdier and

resistant to

unfavorable weather conditions.

from The Adinkra Dictionary by

W.

Bruce Willis

32. ME WARE WO


content/themes/directory press/thumbs//mewarewo_lg.gif)

I shall marry you symbol of commitment, perseverance From

the expression No one rushes into the job of mixing the concrete

for building

the house of marriage. See Cloth As

Metaphor

(http://www.adinkra.org/htmls/adinkra_bibliography.htm#arthur)

by G.F. Kojo Arthur, pp. 89, 163.

33. MATE MASIE


content/themes/directory press/thumbs//mate_lg.gif)

What I hear, I keep

symbol of wisdom, knowledge and

prudence The

implied meaning of the phrase

mate masie is I understand.

Understanding

means wisdom and knowledge, but

it also represents the prudence of

taking into

consideration what another person

has said.

34. KWATAKYE ATIKO

hair style of anAsante war captain


content/themes/directory press/thumbs//kwat_lg.gif)

symbol of bravery and valor This

symbols is said to be a special hair

style of Kwatakye, a war captain of

old

Asante. The symbol has come to

represent bravery and

fearlessness. It is also

given as an earned title to any

brave son of an Akan community.

- W. Bruce Willis, The Adinkra

Dictionary

35. KINTINKANTAN


content/themes/directory press/thumbs//kint_lg.gif)

puffed upextravagance

symbol of arrogance

36. KETE PA


content/themes/directory press/thumbs//ketepa_lg.gif)

good bed symbol of a good marriage From the expression that

a woman who has a good marriage is said to sleep on a good bed. See

Cloth As

Metaphor

(http://www.adinkra.org/htmls/adinkra_bibliography.htm#arthur)

by G.F. Kojo Arthur, pp. 87-89

37. HYE WON HYE


content/themes/directory press/thumbs//hy ew_lg.gif)

that which does notburn

symbol of imperishability and

endurance

This symbol gets its meaning from

traditional priests that were able

to walk on

fire without burning their feet, an

inspiration to others to endure

and

overcome difficulties.

38. HWE MU DUA

measuring stick

symbol of examination and

quality control This symbol

stresses the need to strive for the


content/themes/directory press/thumbs//hwem_lg.gif)

best quality, whether in

production of

goods or in human endeavors.

39. GYE NYAME


content/themes/directory press/thumbs//gy en_lg.gif)

except for God

symbol of the supremacy of God

This unique and

beautiful symbol is ubiquitous in

Ghana. It is by far the most

popular for use

in decoration, a reflection on the

deeply religious character of the

Ghanaian

people

40. FUNTUNFUNEFU-DENKYEMFUNEFU


content/themes/directory press/thumbs//funt_lg.gif)

Siamese crocodiles

symbol of democracy and unity

The Siamese

crocodiles share one stomach, yet

they fight over food. This popular

symbol is

a remind that infighting and

tribalism is harmful to all who

engage in it.

41. FOFO


content/themes/directory press/thumbs//fofo_lg.gif)

yellow floweredplant

symbol of jealousy and envy When

the fofos

petals drop, they turn into black

spiky-like seeds. The Akan liken the

nature

of this plant to a jealous person.

The Adinkra Dictionary by W.

Bruce Willis

There is a Akan proverb associated

with this symbol: What the fofo

plant

wishes is that the gyinantwi seeds

turn black.

42. FIHANKRA

house/compound


content/themes/directory press/thumbs//fiha_lg.gif)

symbol of security and safety

Typical of Akan (Asante)

architecture, the communal

housing compound has only one

entrance and exit.

43. FAWOHODIE


content/themes/directory press/thumbs//fawo_lg.gif)

independence symbol of

independence, freedom,

emancipation

From the expression: Fawodhodie

ene obre na enam. Literal

translation:

Independence comes with its

responsibilities. from Cloth As

Metaphor


by

G.F. Kojo Arthur

44. ESE NE TEKREMA


content/themes/directory press/thumbs//esen_lg.gif)

the teeth and thetongue

symbol of friendship and

interdependence The

teeth and the tongue play

interdependent roles in the mouth.

They may come into

conflict, but they need to work

together.

45. EPA


content/themes/directory press/thumbs//epa_lg.gif)

handcuffs

symbol of law and justice, slavery

and captivity Adolph

Agbo, in Values of Adinkra

Symbols notes that handcuffs were

introduced in

Africa as a result of the slave trade,

and later became popular among

chiefs in

cuffing offenders of the law. The

symbol reminds offenders of the

uncompromising nature of the law.

It however discourages all forms of

slavery.

46. EBAN

fence


content/themes/directory press/thumbs//eban_lg.gif)

symbol of love, safety and security The home to the Akan is a

special place. A home which has a fence around it is considered to

be an ideal

residence. The fence symbolically separates and secures the

family from the

outside. Because of the security and the protection that a fence

affords, the

symbol is also associated with the security and safety one finds in

love.

from The Adinkra

Dictionary

(http://www.adinkra.org/htmls/books.htm#adinkra_dictionary)

47. DWENNIMMEN


content/themes/directory press/thumbs//dwen_lg.gif)

rams horns

symbol of humility together with

strength The ram will

fight fiercely against an adversary,

but it also submits humbly to

slaughter,

emphasizing that even the strong

need to be humble.

48. DUAFE


content/themes/directory press/thumbs//duafe_lg.gif)

wooden comb

symbol of beauty and cleanliness;

symbols of desirable

feminine qualities The meaning of

this symbol is characterized

slightly

differently in The Adinkra

Dictionary and The Values of

Adinkra Symbols;

the former emphasizes more

abstract qualities of feminine

goodness, love and

care, while the latter has a more

literal interpretation, looking

ones best

and good hygiene. In any case, the

duafe was a prized possession of

the Akan

woman, used to comb and plait

her hair.

49. DENKYEM


content/themes/directory press/thumbs//denk_lg.gif)

crocodile

symbol of adaptability The

crocodile lives in the water,

yet breathes the air, demonstrating

an abil

50. DAME-DAME


content/themes/directory press/thumbs//dame_lg.gif)

name of a boardgame

symbol of intelligence and

ingenuity

51. BOA ME NA ME MMOA WO


content/themes/directory press/thumbs//boam_lg.gif)

Help me and let me help you

symbol of

cooperation and interdependence



by

G.F. Kojo Arthur

52. BI NKA BI


content/themes/directory press/thumbs//bink_lg.gif)

No one should bitethe other

symbol of peace and harmony This

symbol

cautions against provocation and

strife. The image is based on two

fish biting

each other tails.

53. BESE SAKA


sack of cola nuts

symbol of affluence, power,

abundance, plenty,

togetherness and unity The cola nut

played an important role in the

economic

life of Ghana. A widely-used cash

content/themes/directory press/thumbs//bese_lg.gif) crop, it is closely associated with

affluence

and abundance. This symbol also

represents the role of agriculture

and trade in

bringing peoples together.

54. AYA


content/themes/directory press/thumbs//ay a_lg.gif)

fern

symbol of endurance and

resourcefulness The fern is a hardy

plant that can grow in difficult

places. An individual who wears

this symbol

suggests that he has endured many

adversities and outlasted much

difficulty.

(Willis, The Adinkra Dictionary)

55. ASASE YE DURU


content/themes/directory press/thumbs//asas_lg.gif)

the Earth hasweight

symbol of providence and the

divinity of Mother

Earth This symbol represents the

importance of the Earth in

sustaining life.

56. ADINKRAHENE


content/themes/directory press/thumbs//adin_lg.gif)

Chief of the adinkra symbols

symbol of greatness,

charisma and leadership This

symbol is said to have played an

inspiring role in

the designing of other symbols. it

signifies the importance of playing

a

leadership role.

57. AKOBEN

war horn symbol of vigilance and

wariness Akoben is a horn

used to sound a battle cry.


content/themes/directory press/thumbs//akob_lg.gif)

58. AKOFENA


content/themes/directory press/thumbs//akofena_lg.gif)

sword of war symbol of

courage, valor, and heroism The

crossed swords were a popular

motif in the heraldic shields of

many former Akan

states. In addition to

recognizing courage and valor,

the swords can represent

legitimate state authority.

59. AKOKO NAN


content/themes/directory press/thumbs//akok_lg.gif)

the leg of a hen

symbol of nurturing and discipline

The full name of

this symbol translates to The hen

treads on her chicks, but she does

not kill

them. This represents the ideal

nature of parents, being both

protective and

corrective. An exhortation to

nurture children, but a warning not

to pamper

them.

60. AKOMA NTOSO


content/themes/directory press/thumbs//akon_lg.gif)

linked hearts

symbol of understanding and

agreement

62. ANANSE NTONTAN


content/themes/directory press/thumbs//anan_lg.gif)

spiders web symbol of wisdom,

creativity and the

complexities of life Ananse, the

spider, is a well-known character

in African

folktales.

63. AKOMA


content/themes/directory press/thumbs//akom_lg.gif)

the heart

symbol of patience and tolerance

According to Agbo, when a

person is said to have a heart in

his stomach, that person is very

tolerant.

Here is a list of books curated by Jean MacDonald

(http://www.adinkra.org/htmls/adinkra_site.htm) to learn more about African design, visuals,

and symbols (Disclaimer: the link below are with the curator amazon affiliates code)


content/themes/directory press/thumbs//adinkra_dictionary .gif)

The Adinkra dictionary : A Visual Primer on the Language of Adinkra

(http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/09661 5321 9/adinkrasy mbol-

20) by W. Bruce Willis

($22-$25, depending on condition; 31 4 pages) The most comprehensiv e

guide to

adinkra av ailable, with detailed information and alternativ e v ersions of

each

sy mbol, plus the history of Ghana, the dev elopment of Ashanti culture, and

a

brief intro to the Twi languageall in 31 4 pages! No longer av ailable from

the

publisher; I bought this used on Amazon for about $25, and it is really worth

it,

if y ou are interested in adinkra and Ghana in general.If y ou dont see a copy

av ailable at a reasonable price on Amazon, check back again. The supply of

books

depends on the secondhand book dealers that work through Amazon.


content/themes/directory press/thumbs//african_designs.jpg)

African Designs from Traditional Sources

(http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0486227 529/adinkrasy mbol-

20) by Geoffrey Williams ($1 0.36; 200 pages; 37 8

illustrations) A wide range of designs and sy mbols from African tribes

including

the Ashanti that can be reproduced or enlarged for use in art and design

projects.


content/themes/directory press/thumbs//african_design.gif)

Traditional African Designs

(http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0486296229/adinkrasy mbol-

20) by Gregory Mirow ($6.95; 43 pages, 200 illustrations) A

inexpensiv e book of clip art, which includes adinkra among other African

traditional designs, which can be used in a wide v ariety of craft and design

projects.


content/themes/directory press/thumbs//african_design_book.gif)

African Designs of the Congo, Nigeria, the Cameroons and the Guinea Coast

(http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0880450932/adinkrasy mbol-

20) by Caren

Caraway ($1 1 .1 7 ; 1 44 pages) Copy right-free art from some of Ghanas

neighboring

countries, which can be used for graphic treatments, craft designs, and

interior

or exterior decoration.

About Mawuna Remarque KOUTONIN(http://www.siliconafrica.com/author/admin/)

Mawuna Koutonin is a world peace activist who relentlessly works to empower

people to express their full potential and pursue their dreams, regardless of their

background. He is the Editior of SiliconAfrica.com, Founder of Goodbuzz.net, and

933M'agrada Tweet 77 39

Most Popular -

195,53614 African Countries Forced by France to PayColonial Tax For the Benefits of Slavery and ...(http://www.siliconafrica.com/france-colonial-tax/)

177,12163 African Symbols For Creative Design(http://www.siliconafrica.com/african-symbols-for-creative-design/)

88,913Africa Top 10 Problems: Not the onesYou were thinking about!(http://www.siliconafrica.com/africa-top-10-problems-not-the-ones-you-were-thinking-about/)

64,788Facebook Phone Soon Available inNigeria, Egypt, Kenya and more(http://www.siliconafrica.com/facebook-phone-soon-available-in-nigeria-egypt-kenya-and-more/)

56,243100 ideas to Start a ProfitableBusiness in Africa(http://www.siliconafrica.com/100-ideas-to-startup-a-business-in-africa/)

51,379100 African Proverbs I AlwaysKeep With Myself(http://www.siliconafrica.com/100-african-proverbs-i-always-keep-with-myself/)

40,899

The Best Data Mining ToolsYou Can Use for Free in YourCompany(http://www.siliconafrica.com/the-best-data-minning-tools-you-can-use-for-free-in-your-company/)

You may also like -

You can not keep

what you can not

defend.

(h ttp://w w w .silicon a fr ica .com /y ou -

ca n -n ot-keep-w h a t-

y ou -ca n -n ot-

defen d/)

Is the African Union

for Africa?

(h ttp://w w w .silicon a fr ica .com /is-

a fr ica -u n ion -for -

a fr ica /)

The 'Heatles'

Chemistry Is

Required In The

Genes Of African

Programmers .

(h ttp://w w w .silicon a fr ica .com /th e-

h ea t les-ch em istr y -

is-r equ ir ed-in -th e-

g en es-of-a fr ica n -

pr og r a m m er s/)

Social activist for Africa Renaissance. Koutonins ultimate dream is to open a world-

class human potential development school in Africa in 2017. If you are interested in

learning more about this venture or Koutonins other projects, you can reach him

directly by emailing at [email protected].

Mail (mailto:[email protected]) | Web (http://www.goodbuzz.net) |

More Posts (http://www.siliconafrica.com/author/admin/)

Share it!

39 StumbleUpon16

Tweet

77

Tags: Adinkra (http://www.siliconafrica.com/tag/adinkra/), Africa design

(http://www.siliconafrica.com/tag/africa-design/), Africa logo

(http://www.siliconafrica.com/tag/africa-logo/), Africa symbols

(http://www.siliconafrica.com/tag/africa-symbols/), Africa tattoo

(http://www.siliconafrica.com/tag/africa-tattoo/)

6 Responses to 63 African Symbols For CreativeDesign

1. Penina S. Finger November 16, 2013 (http://www.siliconafrica.com/african-symbols-

for-creative-design/#comment-41279)

Thanks for putting this together! I'd love to see them in use, too. In what materials and on what

surfaces can these symbols be found?

Reply (/african-symbols-for-creative-design/?replytocom=41279#respond)

2. Jabulani Phelago (http://www.facebook.com/jabulani.phelago) December 21, 2013

(http://www.siliconafrica.com/african-symbols-for-creative-design/#comment-41385)

Good knowledge depth


3. Roger Frjus (http://www.facebook.com/roger.abath) December 31, 2013


thank you so much. you did a nice work.

933

Like

13

Share

84

Add a comment

Facebook social plugin

8 comments

Anthony Candid Chileke Unique computer institute owerri

this wonderful. A sanctuary for me. I can now rest my thoughts andpen. Thanks...

Reply Like Follow Post October 26, 2013 at 8:17am

Follow

1

Penina S. Finger Top Commenter Owner at The Fantastic

Machine

Thanks for putting this together! I'd love to see them in use, too. Inwhat materials and on what surfaces can these symbols be found?

Reply Like Follow Post November 16, 2013 at 6:56pm

Follow

King C. Asante-Yeboa Top Commenter Works

at AFRICAN CENTER * * CENTRE AFRICAIN

They are normally used on Ghanaian cloths and traditionalattires.

Reply Like February 9 at 12:23pm

Follow

Val Serrant Top Commenter Independent Contractor/External

Relations. at Self Employed Artist

ALKEBU-LAN....ASE! ASE! ASE-O!

Reply Like Follow Post December 21, 2013 at 8:09pm2

Jabulani Phelago

Good knowledge - depth ...

Reply Like Follow Post December 21, 2013 at 11:01am

Follow

Roger Frjus Denver, Colorado

thank you so much. you did a nice work.

Reply Like Follow Post December 31, 2013 at 8:27am

Joe L Sherard Community College of Philadelphia

i want number 15!!!!!

Reply Like Follow Post January 27 at 11:51pm

Follow


4. Joe L Sherard (http://www.facebook.com/Mojogenie) January 27, 2014


i want number 15!!!!!


5. King C. Asante-Yeboa (http://www.facebook.com/king.asanteyeboa) February 9,

2014 (http://www.siliconafrica.com/african-symbols-for-creative-design/#comment-41628)

They are normally used on Ghanaian cloths and traditional attires.


6. Colin Elum (https://www.facebook.com/colin.elum) June 24, 2014


Hi thanks for the upload of these beautiful symbols I was in the middle

of using a few of these but the page isn't coming up will you have the page back up soon?


Leave a Reply

Name (required)

Email (will not be published) (required)

Website

Comment

XHTML: You can use these tags:

Submit Comment

4 four =

Yes, add me to your mailing list.

Startups (http://www.siliconafrica.com/directory/category/startups/) Events

(http://www.siliconafrica.com/directory/category/events/) Jobs

(http://www.siliconafrica.com/directory/category/jobs/) People

(http://www.siliconafrica.com/directory/category/people/)

About us (http://www.siliconafrica.com/about-us/) Contact Us

(http://www.siliconafrica.com/contact-us/) Become a Contributor

(http://www.siliconafrica.com/become-contributor-siliconafrica/) Post Your Events for

FREE (http://www.siliconafrica.com/directory/submit/)

Donate (http://www.siliconafrica.com/support-silicon-africa-make-donation/)

(http://goodbuzz.net)

2012-2014 All rights reserved.

63 African Symbols for Creative Design _ SiliconAfrica

Documents

Transcript of 63 African Symbols for Creative Design _ SiliconAfrica